U.S. patent application number 13/288468 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-09 for device for cover support.
The applicant listed for this patent is David William Clark. Invention is credited to David William Clark.
Application Number | 20130112232 13/288468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48222868 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130112232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clark; David William |
May 9, 2013 |
Device for cover support
Abstract
A device for container cover support with spar, spar shaft, and
spar shaft rotation lock.
Inventors: |
Clark; David William;
(Marion, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Clark; David William |
Marion |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48222868 |
Appl. No.: |
13/288468 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/02 20130101; B60J
7/102 20130101; B60J 7/104 20130101; B60P 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/121 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/34 20060101
E04H015/34 |
Claims
1. A device capable of supporting a cover comprising: a spar; a
rotatable spar shaft; and, a spar shaft rotation lock.
2. A device as in claim 1, also wherein the spar shaft comprises an
end crook from which said spar extends.
3. A device as in claim 1, also wherein the cover can cover a
container comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein
the spar can extend from the first side of the container toward the
second side of the container.
4. A device as in claim 1, also wherein the spar comprises ends and
an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion comprising a
point not lying in a line passing through the ends.
5. A device as in claim 1, also wherein the spar shaft rotation
lock comprises means to lock the spar shaft in a fixed position,
said lock means being releasable and re-engageable; means to rotate
the spar shaft from said fixed position to an alternate fixed
position; and means by which said spar shaft lock can releasably
and re-engageably lock said spar shaft in said alternate fixed
position.
6. A device as in claim 1, also wherein the cover can cover a
container, and, wherein the range of spar shaft rotation is
fixed.
7. A device as in claim 1, also wherein the cover can cover a
container, and the spar, spar shaft, and spar shaft rotation lock
communicate with the exterior of the container.
8. A device as in claim 1, also wherein the cover can cover a
container, said device further comprising a spar shaft bushing
communicating fixedly with the exterior of the container and
communicating rotatably with the spar shaft.
9. A device as in claim 1, also wherein said spar comprises an end
distal from said spar shaft, said distal end circumscribing a curve
having an apex exterior to the container when the spar shaft is
rotated.
10. A device as in claim 3, also wherein the container comprises an
open top.
11. A device as in claim 7, also wherein the container comprises an
open top.
12. A device as in claim 8, also wherein the spar shaft bushing
passes through one or more container elements.
13. A device capable of supporting a cover, said device comprising:
a spar shaft; a spar that is a part of or affixed to said spar
shaft; and a spar shaft rotation lock; the spar extending from the
spar shaft in such a way as to be oriented to support a cover; the
spar shaft communicating, with the spar shaft rotation lock, said
rotation lock having locking means capable of securing the spar
shaft in fixed position, said locking means releasable and
re-engageable; and means to rotate the spar shaft from said
position to an alternate position.
14. A device capable of supporting a cover, said cover capable of
covering a container comprising a first side and a second side,
said device comprising: a spar that can extend from the first side
of the container toward the second side of the container, said spar
comprising ends, and an intermediate portion, said intermediate
portion comprising a point not lying in a line passing through the
ends; and a rotatable spar shaft from which said spar extends and
wherein an end of the spar distal from the spar shaft circumscribes
a curve having an apex exterior to the container when the spar
shaft is rotated; and, a spar shaft rotation lock comprising means
to lock the spar shaft in a fixed position; means to rotate the
spar shaft from said fixed position to an alternate fixed position;
said spar shaft rotation lock comprising means to releasably and
re-engageably lock said spar shaft in said alternate fixed
position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to the field of cargo
transport and more specifically to a device for support of
transport container covers.
[0005] Open top containers used for transport of sundry types of
goods or materials are common. Such containers generally comprise
covers removable for loading or unloading and replaceable for
transport.
[0006] These covers are often made of canvas, or other fabric, or
fabric like material used to protect the container contents from
the elements and to prevent the escape of contents out of the
container. Said covers usually are supported in operative
disposition by a framework which spans the open top while
communicating with opposite sides thereof.
[0007] In example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,584 by Jespersen recites a
series of parallel bows, each pivotably attached at one end along
one side of the opening. The other end reversibly engages the other
side of container top opening by means of a locking device. A
perpendicular ridge pole is pivotably connected to each bow. This
pole assures that all bows move in unison or in unison prohibited
from movement. One bow has a releasable locking mechanism. A pull
on a rope releases the lock.
[0008] One end of each bow may pivot in a cylindrical hinge mounted
on the inside of the container. Alternately, the end of each bow
may extend through the hinge through the floor of the container
where a handle may be attached to pivot the bow. Or a bow may
extend through the sidewall of the container where a handle may be
attached to pivot the bow. The cylindrical hinge is angled to cause
the bow to lift slightly when it is pivoted from locked
position.
[0009] The location of the Jespersen bow pivot hinges on the inside
of the container exposes parts of the device to contact with cargo
inside the containers. This can foul or damage the device.
[0010] Jespersen requires the simultaneous release of the locking
mechanism and initiation of pivoting movement. Jespersen requires
the bows to swing simultaneously. They can move only in unison.
Accordingly, the operator has no choice but to uncover the entire
container from front to back. Jespersen additionally requires the
operator to visually judge when bows are sufficiently rotated to
provide a suitable opening such that loaded cargo will not contact
the bows to cause damage to them.
[0011] In the Jespersen rope unlocking and pivoting embodiment, the
operator must stand away from the trailer in order to minimize
abrasion of the rope as it passes over the trailer edge and to
achieve sufficient leverage to release the lock and to move all
bows at once. Also, the Jespersen structure that pivotably connects
all bows is unnecessarily complex, comprising swivels and biasing
elements to function with precision. When bent slightly or
otherwise damaged by normal usage, it becomes will difficult to
operate and difficult to repair.
[0012] In example, the Jespersen bow pivoting operation requires
assistance of gravity to complete final stages of a pivot process.
The operator is thus not always in full control of bow movement.
Also, if any hinges are fouled by exposure to the container
contents, the gravity assist function may be hindered and the
system rendered inoperable.
[0013] In addition, Jespersen requires that an end of the bows
comprise an element which must slide into a receiving element
mounted on the opposite wall of the container. Thus, the path of
the rotating bow must be precise in order for said communication to
be accomplished. Therefore a minimum of bending or distortion of
the bows normally expected in the operation of such a cover system
would render Jespersen inoperative. This is an inherent
characteristic, although the receiving end is configured in such a
way as to attempt to counteract it.
[0014] In the embodiment comprising an extended rod, the operator
must first unlock the bows by means of the rope, secure the rope
while maintaining tension to keep the lock open. The operator must
then, while maintaining tension on the rope, simultaneously access
the rotating handle below the floor of the trailer, which awkward
process increases likelihood of injury.
[0015] In contrast, the instant art is operable from the ground
without the operator having to move significantly away from the
container or having to bend over or assume any other vulnerable
position.
[0016] The instant art does not require a locking device or other
receiving structure on an opposite wall to receive and/or lock a
bow end.
[0017] The instant art does not require a release rope. The instant
art does not require all bows to move at once; therefore, limited
portions of the container may be opened as required, and less force
is required to rotate elements of the cover support structure.
[0018] The instant art has no ridge pole or bias elements;
therefore, the instant art is more simple and more easily
repaired.
[0019] The instant art automatically restricts the range of bow
rotation between open and closed positions. The instant art does
not rely on gravity to assist motion; thus, the movement of the
instant art is totally controlled by an operator.
[0020] The instant art pivoting and bow support means are never
exposed to cargo inside the container.
[0021] Thus, the instant art overcomes these several disadvantages
of Jespersen.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The primary object of the invention is to create support
cover structure movable from closed to open orientation from the
ground.
[0023] Another object of the invention is create a cover support
structure wherein unlocking the elements and rotating the elements
are separate operations.
[0024] Another object of the invention is to create a cover support
structure wherein elements are unlocked, locked, and rotated
individually.
[0025] A further object of the invention is to create an openable
cover support structure wherein no elements are disposed within the
walls of the container it covers.
[0026] Yet another object of the invention is accessibility to
operational elements of the cover support structure without the
operator having to inconveniently bend over or stretch, or climb
upward to reach it.
[0027] Still another object of the invention is to allow total
control of movements of its elements by an operator.
[0028] Still another object of the invention is to establish a
fixed angle of rotation for all cover support elements.
[0029] Yet still another object of the invention is to provide for
automatic stoppage of rotation of support structure elements at
desired points.
[0030] Still yet an additional object of the invention is
minimization of force necessary to rotate elements of the cover
support structure.
[0031] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of
illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed.
[0032] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a machine for cover support comprising: arcuate
spar, spar shaft, and spar shaft lock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be
embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some
instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated
or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a container the with the
instant art deployed.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a front view of a spar shaft.
[0036] FIG. 2A is a right side view of a spar shaft.
[0037] FIG. 2B is a top view of a spar shaft.
[0038] FIG. 2C is a bottom view of a spar shaft.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a view of a spar in operational relationship to a
container.
[0040] FIG. 3A is a view of the spar and a container side.
[0041] FIG. 3B is a view of the spar and a container side.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a top view of the spar shaft in operational
orientation to a container wall.
[0043] FIG. 4A is a front view of the spar shaft in operational
orientation to a container wall.
[0044] FIG. 4B is a side view of the spar shaft in operational
orientation to a container wall.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a view of spar shaft to arcuate spar communication
means.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a view of the instant art in operational
configuration when closed relative a container.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a side view of instant art/container communication
means.
[0048] FIG. 7A is a side view of instant art/container
communication means.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a side view of a multi-position spar shaft
lock.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a front view of the multi-position spar shaft
lock.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a top view of the multi-position spar shaft
lock.
[0052] FIG. 11 is a side view of the multi-position spar shaft
lock.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a front view of the multi-position spar shaft
lock.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a top view of the multi-position spar shaft
lock.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a view of a stud handle.
[0056] FIG. 15 is a view of the instant art in operational
configuration when open relative a container.
LIST OF NUMBERED ELEMENTS
[0057] 100 Cover support means [0058] 105 Trailer [0059] 106
Container [0060] 108 Open top [0061] 110 Cargo [0062] 112 Spar
[0063] 113 Spar hollow portion [0064] 114 Spar shaft [0065] 116
Spar shaft bayonet [0066] 118 Spar shaft axle [0067] 119 Spar shaft
axle bottom [0068] 120 Spar shaft bayonet crook [0069] 122 Spar
shaft bayonet angle [0070] 124 Sidewall [0071] 126 Endwall [0072]
128 Floor [0073] 130 Spar bolt hole [0074] 132 Spar shaft bolt hole
[0075] 134 Spar shaft bolt [0076] 136 Spar shaft bushing [0077] 137
Spar shaft bushing canal [0078] 138 Spar shaft multi-position lock
[0079] 140 Weld [0080] 142 Shim [0081] 144 Lock pin [0082] 146 Lock
pin clip [0083] 148 Spar shaft collar [0084] 149 Spar shaft collar
bore [0085] 150 Spar shaft collar bolt hole. [0086] 152 Spar shaft
bolt hole [0087] 154 Spar shaft collar bolt [0088] 156 Spar shaft
lock housing [0089] 160 Lock pin hole [0090] 162 Opposite lock pin
hole [0091] 164 Lock housing top flange [0092] 166 Lock housing
back plate [0093] 168 Lock housing bottom flange [0094] 170 Spar
shaft seat [0095] 174 Spar shaft collar bolt hole boss [0096] 176
Stud assembly [0097] 178 First stud [0098] 180 Second stud [0099]
182 Wall foot [0100] 184 Wall foot stop [0101] 186 Stud handle
[0102] 188 Top flange spar shaft passage [0103] 190 Space [0104]
192 Top flange [0105] 194 Bottom flange
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0106] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or
manner.
[0107] FIG. 1 shows a common type of cargo transport carrier
wherein a sidewall (124) and opposite sidewall (125) adjacent to
endwalls (126) extending substantially perpendicularly from a floor
(128) comprise a container (106) having an open top (108). A load
of cargo (110) may be disposed in the container (106) and the
container may comprise a transport trailer (105) railcar, or the
like. A cover support means (100) is disposed over the cover.
[0108] FIG. 1 additionally shows that the cover support means (100)
may comprise a network of spars (112) which communicate with
sidewalls (124, 125) thusly spanning the open top (108). Now, one
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the spars (112) may
be removed, the container (106) loaded, the spars (112) replaced,
and a cover, in example a tarp, placed over the spar (112) network
and supported thereby.
[0109] The instant art is an advancement in the art of container
cover support structure described above.
[0110] FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, and 2C show a spar shaft (114) having
bayonet (116) and an axle portion (118), the axle portion (118)
further comprising a bottom (119). The spar shaft (114) also
comprises a bayonet crook (120) creating a spar shaft bayonet angle
(122).
[0111] FIG. 3 shows a spar (112) disposed to span the open top
(108). One end of the spar (112) communicates with the opposite
sidewall (125). The spar (112) may comprise a wall foot (182)
having a wall foot stop (184) to conform to the opposite sidewall
(125) thus facilitating said communication. However, as in FIG. 3A,
the wall foot (182) need not conform to the opposite sidewall
(125), and/or, as in FIG. 3B, the spar need not comprise a wall
foot (182) as in FIG. 3B.
[0112] FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B show that the spar shaft bayonet angle
(122) is contrived so that the spar axle (118) may be oriented
substantially parallel to the sidewall (124) disposing the spar
shaft bayonet (116) to extend in a plane normal to the proximal
sidewall towards the opposing sidewall (125). Also, as in FIG. 4B,
the spar shaft bayonet crook (120) and the spar shaft bayonet angle
(122) are additionally contrived so that when the spar axle (118)
is disposed essentially parallel to the sidewall (124), the spar
shaft bayonet (116) will extend upwardly from the sidewall (124) at
an acute angle relative a line perpendicular to the sidewall
(124).
[0113] Also seen in FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B is that the spar shaft
bayonet (116) may communicate with the spar (112) by any suitable
means commonly known in the art, in a disposition substantially
normal the sidewall (124). In example, as in FIG. 5, the spar shaft
bayonet (116) may be transfixed by a spar shaft bolt hole (132) and
the spar (112) may be transfixed by a spar bolt hole (130). The
spar (112) may comprise a hollow portion (113) having a diameter at
least the minimum necessary to allow entry of the spar shaft
bayonet (116) whereupon the aforementioned holes (130, 132) may be
aligned to allow insertion of a spar shaft bolt (134) which will
hold the spar shaft bayonet (116) and the spar (112) in
substantially fixed relationship according to principles well known
in the art.
[0114] FIG. 6 shows that the spar shaft (114) may communicate with
a spar shaft bushing (136). Said bushing (136) comprises a canal
(137) having a diameter at least the minimum necessary to allow
passage therethrough of the spar shaft (114) and rotational
movement of said spar shaft (114) therein. Also shown is a spar
shaft multi-position lock (138) communicating with the spar shaft
(114). Also noted is that the spar shaft bushing (136) is disposed
proximal the spar shaft bayonet crook (120) and distal the spar
axle bottom end (119) while the spar shaft multi-position lock
(138) is disposed proximal the spar axle bottom end (119) and
distal the spar shaft bayonet crook (120).
[0115] FIG. 6 additionally shows that the spar shaft bushing (136)
and the spar shaft multi-position lock (138) may be attached to the
sidewall (124) by many means known in the art, in example by welds
(140). Thus, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
that the spar shaft (114) may be fixed in communication with the
sidewall (124) in the previously described orientation. Also seen
is that the spar (112) extends from the spar shaft bayonet (116) to
the opposite sidewall (125) to span the open top (108).
[0116] FIG. 7 shows that the sidewall (124) may not always have
substantially planar surfaces. In such instances, shims (142) may
be used to affect required communication of the spar shaft bushing
(136) and the spar shaft multi-position lock (138) with said
sidewall (124), by any suitable means, in example, welds (140).
[0117] A container body construction common in the art comprises a
sidewall (124) having a top flange (192) and/or a bottom flange
(194) extending substantially normal to the top of the sidewall
(124). In example, as shown in FIG. 7A wherein the sidewall
comprises or depends from a beam, channel metal, angle metal or
other similar device. In such instance, the spar shaft bushing
(136) may be positioned in holes in the top flange (192) and/or
bottom flange (194) and secured therein by means well known in the
art, in example welds (140). Thus, the spar shaft (114) may pass
through the bushing (136) and through the top flange (192) and/or
the bottom flange (194).
[0118] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show detail of the spar shaft
multi-position lock (138). The spar shaft multi-position lock (138)
comprises a housing (136) having a substantially planar back plate
(166) with a substantially planar housing top flange (164) and a
substantially planar housing bottom flange (168) extending
essentially normally to the back plate (166) from opposite sides of
said back plate (166) thereby resembling an English alphabet letter
"U" shape.
[0119] The top flange (164) comprises a top flange spar shaft
passage (188) having a diameter at least the minimum necessary to
allow passage of the spar shaft (114) therethrough and rotational
movement of the spar shaft (114) therein. The bottom flange (168)
comprises a bottom flange spar shaft seat (170) having a diameter
at least the minimum necessary to allow passage of the spar shaft
(114) thereinto and rotational movement of the spar shaft (114)
therein. The top flange spar shaft passage (188) and the bottom
flange spar shaft seat (170) may be oriented substantially
coaxially or in any other disposition one relative the other that
allows the spar shaft (114) to pass through both
simultaneously.
[0120] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 also show sets of lock pin holes (160)
positioned in the top flange (164) and bottom flange (168) with at
least one said lock pin hole (160) set disposed in the top flange
(164) and bottom flange (168) to one side of the top flange spar
shaft passage (188) and bottom flange spar shaft seat (170). Said
lock pin holes (160) are be substantially coaxial to allow passage
of a lock pin (144) therethrough.
[0121] Also, at least one set of opposite lock pin holes (162) is
disposed in the top flange (164) and bottom flange (168) on the
opposite side of the top flange spar shaft passage (188) and the
bottom flange (168) spar shaft seat (170) from the lock pin holes
(160). Said opposite lock pin holes (162) are substantially coaxial
to allow passage of the lock pin (144) therethrough.
[0122] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 additionally show the lock pin (144)
extending through the lock pin holes (160). Also seen is a lock pin
clip (146) communicating with opposite ends of the lock pin (144).
The lock pin clip (146) is curved to allow said communication
regardless of the intervening spar shaft multi-position lock (138)
structure. The lock clip (146) is sufficiently flexible and/or
resilient to allow it to be distended and thus disengaged from one
end of the lock pin (144). However, said resiliency and/or
flexibility is contrived so that forces encountered during
operation of the instant art will not disengage said lock pin clip
(146).
[0123] Now, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
lock pin clip (146) may be disengaged from one end of the lock pin
(144) allowing said lock pin (144) to be extracted from the set of
lock pin holes (160). The lock pin (144) may then be inserted in
another set of opposite lock pin holes (162) and the lock pin clip
(146) re-engaged.
[0124] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 further depict a spar shaft collar (148)
having a longitudinal bore (149). Said bore comprises a diameter at
least the minimum necessary to allow passage of the spar shaft
(114) therethrough. The spar shaft collar (148) is transfixed by a
spar shaft collar bolt hole (150) oriented substantially normal to
the spat shaft collar bore (149). Also shown is that the spar shaft
axle (118) proximal the spar shaft axle bottom end (119) comprises
a spar shaft bolt hole (152) traversing said spar shaft axle (118)
substantially normal to the spar shaft axle (118).
[0125] Now, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
spar shaft (114) may be passed through the spar shaft collar (148)
whereupon the spar shaft collar bolt hole (150) and the spar shaft
bolt hole (152) may be aligned allowing passage therethrough of a
spar shaft collar bolt (154). Said bolt (154) will hold the spar
shaft collar (148) and the spar shaft (114) in fixed orientation
according to well known principles.
[0126] FIGS. 10 and 13 show that the spar shaft collar bolt hole
(150) may comprise one or more bosses (174) to re-enforce said hole
(150) and/or to provide enlarged engagement surfaces for elements
of the spar shaft collar bolt (154).
[0127] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 also show a stud assembly (176)
comprising a first stud (178) and a second stud (180), each
essentially normal the other. Also shown is that said stud assembly
(176) is attached to the stud shaft collar (148), by any means well
known in the art, in example welds (140), in essentially fixed
relationship. Additionally noted, is that the second stud (180) is
disposed essentially parallel to the lock switch housing back plate
(166), and the first stud (178) is oriented substantially normal
said lock switch housing back plate (166). Also, the second stud
(180) essentially abuts the lock switch housing back plate (166)
and the lock pin (144). Therefore, the stud assembly (176) and the
spar shaft (114) are essentially immovably locked. Thus, any other
structure fixedly attached to the spar shaft (114) may also be
immovably locked.
[0128] Now, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
lock pill (144) may be disengaged from the lock pin holes (160)
whereupon appropriate force may be applied to the first stud (178)
causing torque, in the direction of arrows, to be applied to the
spar shaft (114) by means of the aforementioned fixed attachments
of the stud assembly (176), spar shaft collar (148), and spar shaft
(114). Thusly, the spar shaft (114) may be rotated in direction of
arrows.
[0129] FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 show that said spar shaft (114) may be
rotated, in direction of arrows in FIG. 10, until the first stud
(178) reaches disposition essentially parallel, and/or abutting,
the lock housing back plate (166) whereupon the lock pin (144) may
be inserted through the opposite set of lock pin holes (162) and
the lock pin clip (146) re-engaged. Thus, the first stud (178), now
essentially abutting the back plate (166) and the lock pin (144),
will be held immovably while the second stud (180) will have moved
to essentially normal said back plate (166).
[0130] Now it may be understood that the aforedescribed process may
be executed and reversed as often as required, rotating, the spar
shaft (114) from one position to another and vice versa. Further
understood is that the available degree of rotation of the spar
shaft (114) from the one locked position to the other is
essentially fixed, said angle of rotation being determined by the
angle of the first stud (178) relative the second stud (180).
Further understood is that when either the first stud (178) or
second stud (180) is essentially parallel to or abutting the spar
shaft multi-position lock housing back plate (166) sufficiently for
the lock pin (144) to be engaged as previously described, the spar
shaft (114) is in proper disposition. Thus, said disposition occurs
automatically by locking the spar shaft (114).
[0131] Attending again to FIG. 6, one notes the spar (112) fixedly
attached to the spar shaft bayonet (116) as previously described.
Additionally seen is that the spar shaft (114) may be fixedly
attached, so as to be rotatable, as previously described, and,
according to FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, so that the spar shaft bayonet
(116) extends in a plane that is essentially normal the sidewall
(124) and opposite sidewall (125). Also noted is that the shaft
(112) spans the open top (108) while being supported at its
extremes.
[0132] One end is supported by the spar shaft bayonet (116) and the
opposite end is supported by the opposite sidewall (125). However,
it may be understood that the spar (112) need not extend
sufficiently to contact or be supported by the opposite sidewall
(125). The spar (112), the spar shaft (114) and its attachment to
the sidewall (124), plus the attachment of the spar (112) to the
spar shaft bayonet (116), and the substance of aforementioned
elements may be sufficiently substantial to acceptably function and
support without being buttressed by the opposite sidewall
(125).
[0133] Now, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a
plurality of spar shafts (114) may be disposed in communication
with the sidewall so that a network of spars (112), as seen in FIG.
1, may be positioned in such a way that the spars (112) comprise a
framework capable of supporting a cover. Also, it may be understood
that the spar (112) may be configured in various shapes, in example
forms in which any three points comprising the axis of said spar
(112) do not comprise a straight line.
[0134] FIG. 15 shows the elements as disposed in FIG. 6 but with
the spar shaft (114) rotated as previously described. Also as
shown, the previously described angle of rotation is contrived so
that subsequent to said rotation, the spar shaft (114) and the
fixedly attached spar (112) may be essentially co-planar and/or
parallel to the sidewall (124). It may also be easily understood
that the spar shaft (114) may be rotated as previously described to
reposition the attached spar (112) to the orientation displayed in
FIG. 6.
[0135] Now, it may be understood that the plurality of spars (112)
positioned as in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 create a space (190) between
themselves and the container sidewalls (124, 125) and end walls
(126) allowing a load (110) to be heaped up higher than said
container sidewalls (124) and endwalls (126). In addition, the spar
shaft bayonet crook (120) orients the spar shaft (114) as seen in
FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B, to dispose the spar shaft bayonet (116)
essentially normal the sidewall (124). When the spar shaft (114) is
rotated from its position seen in FIG. 6 to the orientation seen in
FIG. 15, the spar (112) end opposite the end attached to the spar
shaft bayonet (116) will travel in an upward curve from the
opposite sidewall (125) to its final position seen in FIG. 15.
[0136] One skilled in the art will therefore readily appreciate
that when the spar shaft (114) is rotated, the shaft (112) will not
be obstructed by a cargo (110) heaped up above the container walls
as seen in FIG. 1. Additionally understood is that a network of
arcuate spars (112) as in FIG. 1, may support over the container
top opening (108) a cover. The cover may be removed and the spars
(112) repositioned, as demonstrated by FIG. 6 and FIG. 15, thereby
exposing the open top (108) to allow unobstructed unloading and
loading of the container (106). The spars (112) may then be
repositioned as seen in FIG. 6 and as in FIG. 1, and a cover placed
over said spars (112).
[0137] FIG. 14 shows that a handle may be contrived to communicate
with either the first stud (178) or the second stud (180) of the
stud assembly (176) in order to provide leverage to facilitate
rotation of the spar shaft (114).
[0138] While the invention has been described in connection with a
preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it
is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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